Rodriguez: “I come to win” | Rodriguez: “Vine a ganar”

After Major League Soccer announced the appointment of respected league executive veteran Nelson Rodriguez as Chivas USA’s new club president on Wednesday, the new head of the Red-and-White organization wasted little time in displaying his excitement and determination over the new project.

Rodriguez immediately met with Chivas USA players and first-year Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera and his staff in Tucson, Ariz., where the squad is currently competing in the Desert Diamond Cup.

The following the day, the newly-named president arrived at the club’s headquarters at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. to address members of the front office, who he will look to guide to a successful campaign in 2014 and beyond.

“It’s been tremendous,” Rodriguez said regarding his first days at the helm. “I came here incredibly excited about the opportunity, but now having met the team, the coaching staff and the office staff, I’m even more bullish. There are truly dedicated and wonderful professionals here. I look forward to learning from them and leading them to the most successful chapter in the history of Chivas USA.”

With just a few days until the season opener against the Chicago Fire at home, the Rojiblancos are riding a seven-game unbeaten run in preseason, and Rodriguez says he encountered a team, led by Cabrera, with an impressive spirit.

“Despite it being still preseason, I saw a team that had a little bit of swagger, a team that I think was clearly showing a positive response to a new coaching staff, to having some success in preseason, to a kinship and a fellowship among the group. That they seemed very prepared to battle for one another and to defend the colors of the club.”

After meeting with the front office staff and sharing his first words with the group, Rodriguez says he came away even more enthused about joining the club and aiding their efforts. As clear as his objectives and commitment to the team are, he expects equal hard work and commitment from those who work close to him on a daily basis.

“What I tried to impart to the group today is the same message that I actually gave to the players and the technical staff [Wednesday], which is, I come to win and I want to be associated with winners. I have a particular view on how winning is achieved. It’s a byproduct of three things that we will look to do at all times. We will look to do the right things, we will look to do things right and we will always give 100%. And if we can follow those three mantras on a daily basis, success will find us.

“We are a soccer club. Our duty is to win games. First, we need to make sure that what we’re doing gives our team the best chance to be successful on the field. The second thing we need to do is ensure that our fans have a great experience, ensure that they want to come to the game, never want to leave and want to return as quickly as possible.”